Festivals Update: October 27

Image: Dune Rats have joined the Mountain Sounds bill

QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC SELLS OUT

Queenscliff Music Festival officially sold out earlier this week. The festival runs November 25—27 and has 80 acts on the bill, including Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Paul Kelly & Charlie Owen, Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos, Killing Heidi, george and more. Back by demand is the QMF Comedy Program featuring Doug Anthony Allstars, Denise Scott and Dave O’Neil.

MORE INTERNATIONAL NAMES FOR PT. FAIRY FOLK 

The third announcement for the 31^st Port Fairy Folk’s (March 10—13) includes a number of international names. They include Denmark’s Afenginn and Canadian contemporary folk ensemble The Jerry Cans while New Zealand is sending singer-songwriter Graeme James, alt-country storyteller Mel Parsons and jazz and soul singer Hollie Smith.

The latest Australian additions include medieval music meddlers 8Foot Felix, ska-tinged Shebeen, Backsliders, Kutcha Edwads, folk outfit Bush Gothic, the bluegrass The Scrims, Tasmania’s gothic punk rockers The Dead Maggies and an all-star tribute to The Band’s The Last Waltz album courtesy the RocKwiz crew.

MOUNTAIN SOUNDS ANNOUNCES 2017 DATES

Situated in the lush landscape of NSW Central Coast Mount Penang Parklands and now in its fourth year, Mountain Sounds Festival announced its 2017 dates are February 17 and 18. First act announced are Dune Rats, currently playing through Europe and the UK as a co-headline with DZ Deathrays.

SUBMISSIONS OPEN FOR HYPERFEST

Submissions have opened for WA’s Hyperfest, which takes over Midland Oval on Saturday February 18 from noon to 9pm. City of Swan Mayor Mick Wainwright said the crew was looking for local acts, applications through www.hyperfest.com.au. Last year 150 local bands and 40 DJs applied, with organisers expecting that figure to rise for the 2017 edition.

PITCH MUSIC & ARTS MAKING A BOW

New camping and music event Pitch Music & Arts Festival is staged for the first time March 10—13 in Melbourne, with 30 acts to join Mind Against and Fatima Yamaha, who are making their Australian debuts.

DREAM ARTIST OF THE YEAR 

Dubbo, NSW’s Dream Festival announced the globally recognised ballerina Lisa Edwards who recently celebrated 12 years with the Queensland Ballet Company. She gets her award at the Dubbo RSL Club on Monday November 14.

VOICES IN THE FOREST GOES INDOORS 

After six years of existence, Canberra’s Voices In The Forest becomes an indoor event, moving to the Australian National University’s Llewellyn Hall on Saturday, November 19. Musical Director Chris Latham said unpredictable weather worsened with long-term forecasts suggesting chilly temperatures,

NEW MOVES FOR FREMANTLE FESTIVAL

Fremantle Festival (which starts a 10o-day run on Friday November 6 which has been moving from a 21-date community event to something more arty and inspirational to deliver more one-off attractions. These include new theatre works, social conscious discussions with the likes of Waleed Aly and Clementine Ford, A4 art exhibitions, installations and rock performances at Kings Square, the Town Hall and St John’s Church.

MINOGUE STARS AT FEAST 

Adelaide’s LGBTIQ community Feast overcame the negative publicity surrounding it of late, launching with a 35-minute headline set from Dannii Minogue who was celebrating her 45^th birthday, a street party with local DJs outside its new headquarters and the opening of a new rainbow crossing in Light Square. Feast will run until November 6.

MAJOR INDIE NAMES FOR NEWTOWN

Next month’s Newtown Festival, now in its 38^th year, includes The Griswolds, L-Fresh The Lion, Stereogamous, Richard in Your Mind, All Our Exes Live in Texas, Shining Bird and Fortunes leading 38 acts at Camperdown Memorial Rest Park.

NEW POSTER FOR ADELAIDE FRINGE

Adelaide Fringe, which runs from February 17, unveiled its new poster. Featuring a black unicorn on green background with a splash of pink. It was designed by Barossa Valley’s Jennifer Rimbault, whose design was chosen from 200 entries from around the world. After complaints it was difficult for the visually impaired, organisers are working with the Royal Society for the Blind on a print alternative.